2017 SUBARU FORESTER Steering Problems

Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Turning off the engine and restarting once or twice usually solves the problem, as if restarting reboots the system. But then the problem recurs randomly on another day. The most recent date of occurrence is listed under additional details

My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this area and had a recall. However it doesn't show up for this VIN. [XXX] ) Her car was built before 7/2016 when she bought it new. Could it have fallen between the cracks, does NHTSA need to have these added as they also obviously have the same issue as they have age to that point of danger. This obviously puts not just 2017 owners at danger, but the public around them. I will try to attach the bills which show what was replaced as unsafe and unable to pass NY...

After a recent regular tire rotation and balance, my vehicle steering felt shakier than normal. Had rotation and balance checked again, but problem continued. Thought an alignment might rectify the problem but was informed this was not needed. Went to my regular mechanic and did notice the steering vibration. Found that it had to do with the forward bushings, and provided me a copy of a service bulletin issued by Subaru dated 6/20/18, #05-63-18R addressing this item, and also provided me with a video and picture of the problem to provide to Subaru repair. Since the Subaru dealer that I went to was not interested in repairing with the information provided, went back to my mechanic and had the work done. No more vibrating steering wheel.

Power steering failed. On January 6th 2025, night time with cold weather conditions, leaving a parking lot the power steering stopped working. Vehicle was very difficult to steer. Nearly all dash light came on. Took vehicle to dealership, they found the power steering control module at fault. Module was replaced with updated part number 34710SG102 per TSB# -04-24-18.

The bushings on both sides of the lower control arm were confirmed broken at Subaru dealership and replaced. This made the steering wobble over 55 mph. It was very dangerous because I could have lost steering control. There was no warning. My car only has 54,000 miles. I believe 2 weeks after the replacement of the entire lower control arm and both bushings the problem is starting again. Lots of other people have reported this problem and Subaru of America offers you money to help have it fixed if you call them.

For the last few weeks on several occasions the ignition key remained stuck after parking and shutting off the engine. I was eventually able to release the key but was in a bit of a panic. I believe this should be a recall as I have read about this happening to many Subaru owners.

During the last few months, the steering wheel has been locking, and I am not able to remove the ignition key. This happen when I stop and park the car, and want to turn the ignition off. I have to move the steering wheel from right to left or vice versa, or drive the car back and forward, until unlocks the steering wheel and I can remove the key. I just found through a web search that other drivers had similar issues.

The steering began to shake and vibrate at interstate speeds upon changing lanes or making a "lazy" turn. It has VERY disconcerting. I slowed down, avoided changing lanes and very wary of the turns while I continued on my journey back home. Over time the problem became progressively worse. I had the tires rebalanced but the problem continued to worsened even at slower speeds. I took the car to another shop but they could not find a problem. I was finally took onto a shop where the mechanic instantly knew what the problem was. He stated he had seen many 2017 Subarus with the same problem over the past few months. Both steering control arms had to bee replaced and the tires aligned at a cost of $816.57. When the problem started the vehicle only had 56,000 and has never been driven off road and only driven on gravel roads...

On 19 January 22 while driving approx 60mph on I-95N s/o exit 92 (at that point hwy is divided 2 lanes n/b), the steering wheel suddenly froze and decelerated to 20mph, sending my vehicle leftward into passing lane in the path of tractor trailers traveling at high speeds. I don't know how but I was able to wrestle car back into r/h lane and off hwy. It was towed to a repair shop where the alignment was severely off. They also found evidence that the r front brake had locked. They replaced calipers and realigned wheels. Within 20 miles after repairs the steering again became very stiff. I had the car towed to my mechanic who found "numerous" codes indicating failure of steering control module and rack and pinion assy. Since that time it has been realigned three times but I still feel the steering is erratic with vibration of...

When operating the vehicle at low and high speeds, the EyeSight system intermittently turns off with a "check owner's manual" message and the system remains off until at least the next vehicle restart. Additionally, after the EyeSight system disengages, when making turns at low speeds (turning corners), the steering shudders (quick violent turns to the left and right), the EyeSight warning light disappears and then re-appears after the vehicle turn is completed. At the same time the vehicle steering shudders, some portion of the internal electrical system appears to be reset (any radio / music system turns off temporarily, and the user-selected display in the main instrument panel resets to its default setting. This puts the vehicle occupant(s) at risk as it introduces an unsafe driving condition due to the vehicle shudder, which may result in a driver panic-reacting, or the vehicle failing to remain in the intended lane.

BACKED CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL PROPERLY. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND A LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATED SAME. CALLED MY SON, WHO ASKED ME TO PULL FRONT, BACK, AND THEN PARK AND TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO WORK PROPERLY. APPT W SUBARU FOUND FAILURE OF GEARBOX. THEY STATE, WARRANTY ONLY COVERS IF BOX IS CRACKED DUE TO ROAD SALT. NO OUTSIDE DAMAGE SEEN. COST $1637.26 TO ME . ONLY 34,744 MILES ON THE CAR/GARAGE KEPT

I am writing to inform you of the following problems with the steering system of my 2017 Subaru Forester: 1) When turning or changing car lanes, the steering wheel does not engage the wheels until the steering wheel is turned to about a 90 degree angle in the direction of the turn, left or right, 2) After making a turn, it takes more rotations of the steering wheel to come out of the turn than it took to make the turn. At other times it takes more rotations of the steering wheel to make the turn than it does to come out of the turn, 3) Constant adjustments to steering have to be made in order to stay in a lane regardless of whether the lane is straight or curved. It's like trying to maneuver a boat on water or like driving on a frictionless surface. It feels like the...

With engine running and shift lever in Park (CVT transmission) driver is unable to turn the engine off or remove the ignition key from the steering wheel. This occurs sporadically/unpredictably such that driver has no forewarning and cannot take proactive steps to avoid the problem, resulting in instances where driver is forced to leave the car running in situations that present safety concerns. (Examples: in a garage or enclosed area; when temporarily exiting vehicle necessitating leaving the doors unlocked; etc.). The problem is widespread in Subaru vehicles and consistent with problems exhibited/described in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #16-112-18R for which no recall has to date been issued for corrective action by Subaru. Driver was told by Subaru of America that a diagnostics test is needed by a Subaru dealer to verify existence of the problem (which as stated occurs unpredictably) at driver's expense (locally approximately $140), with repair coverage...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT ONTO THE HIGHWAY RAMP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE SHOULDER, SHUT-OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE STEERING FUNCTIONALITY RETURNED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RHETT ALLEN/MARK MILLER SUBARU SOUTHTOWNE (10920 STATE ST, SANDY, UTAH 84070, (801)553-5200 WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

AFTER ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE KEY WILL NOT REMOVE. AFTER SOME MANHANDLING OF THE SHIFTER AND TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF, EVENTUALLY, I AM ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS IS OCCURRING 80% OF THE TIME NOW. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 37,000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD. *TR

WHILE STATIONARY, THE KEY WILL GET STUCK. IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN THE CAR OFF.IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, I WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPEN TWICE , I M SURE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.

I WAS DRIVING MY FORRESTER 2019, NOTICE THAT IT WOULD SLOWLY MOVE ONCE I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. BUT THEN IT WOULD JERK INTO A FASTER PACE. YESTERDAY AS I WAS DRIVING, I STOP AT A BANK ATM. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTHING HAPPENED. NOT A SOUND. SO TRIED IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I HAD TO CALL FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE. THEY CAME AND GAVE ME A JUMP. THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM. I DID AS THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME TO LET THE VEHICLE RUN FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES SO THE CELLS CAN BUILD UP IN THE BATTERY, SO I DID AS I WAS TOLD. AS I WOULD TURN THE CORNERS ON THE STREETS-THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT, (IN BOTH DIRECTIONS). ESPECIALLY AFTER TURNING AT A STOP SIGN, SO AS I WERE...

I AM WRITING IN REGARD TO FBI ALERT NUMBER 1-031716-PSA. MY HUSBAND AND I BELIEVE THAT OUR 2017 SUBARU FORESTER IS BEING REMOTELY EXPLOITED. SEP. 29, 2018 WE PURCHASED OUR FORESTER FROM TUCSON SUBARU (4901 N. ORACLE ROAD TUCSON, AZ 85704). OCT. 3, 2018 WE TOOK CAR TO TUCSON SUBARU BECAUSE CAR WAS BRAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED, AND THERE WAS A DIAGNOSTIC CODE IN THE POWER-TRAIN SYSTEM. DEALER KEPT CAR AND RETURNED IT TO US OCT. 4, 2018 STATING THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE PROBLEM INCREASED AFTER RECEIVNG OUR CAR BACK. THE FOLLOWING ANOMALOUS VEHICLE BEHAVIOR BEGAN TO OCCUR, INTERMITTENTLY AND NOW DAILY. 1)CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN AND WHEN BRAKE IS LIGHTLY PRESSED. 2) WHEN TURNING, CAR STOPS MOMENTARILY AND AT OTHER TIMES ACCELERATES INTO THE TURN FROM THE REAR WHEELS CAUSING THE CAR TO ALMOST FISHTAIL. 3)CAR SELF ACCELERATES FROM THE...

THE POWER FAILED IN TRAFFIC ON CITY STREETS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT FIRST HAPPENED WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND IT HAPPENED TO ME ALSO IN TRAFFIC WHO WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN.THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM.

STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED, UNABLE TO TURN ON VEHICLE, WHEEL STRAIGHT, TOOK ME MANY TRIES AND LOTS OF TURNING AND BANGING BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START VEHICLE. ALSO, ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE BLUETOOTH WITH LATE PICK UP CONNECTION. CONNECTION WILL START AFTER ONE IS HALF WAY INTO CONVERSATION MAKING THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A BLUETOOTH USELESS.

I WAS ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY, ROUTE 90, IN NEW YORK STATE HEADING EAST ON AUGUST 8, 2017, GOING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH. I WAS GOING STRAIGHT IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. I REACHED OVER WITH RIGHT HAND TO ADJUST VOLUME KNOB ON RADIO AND NOTICED VEHICLE DRIFTING SLIGHTLY TO RIGHT. I PULLED STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT TO ADJUST CAR AND VEHICLE VEERED SHARPLY INTO ADJOINING LANE (ON LEFT SIDE OF TRAVELLING LANE) AND THEN I COULD NOT IT STEER BACK INTO THE TRAVELLING LANE. IT SEEMED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE STEERING: IT FELT AS THOUGH I HAD LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY HUSBAND GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL, STEADIED IT, AND I REGAINED CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER INCIDENTS. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO CAR IN THE ADJOINING LANE WHEN THE MY CAR VEERED INTO IT. THIS WAS REPORTED TO NATIONAL...

STEERING STICKS WHILE IN A TURN AND RESISTS THE DRIVERS INPUT TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL, CAUSING EITHER FAILURE TO STRAIGHTEN ON DEMAND OR OVER-STEERING TO OPPOSITE SIDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STRAIGHTEN. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE AND VARIES IN BOTH FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY, AND TYPICALLY OCCURS DURING EACH USE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MALFUNCTION SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY DURING SUSTAINED LEFT TURNS, AND IS MOST PROBLEMATIC ON CURVY ROADS WHERE FAILURE TO STRAIGHTEN WHEELS OR OVER-STEERING TO OPPOSITE SIDE COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS WHILE IN A TURNING MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND ON CURVY HIGHWAYS, USUALLY WHEN WHEEL IS TURNED MORE THAN ~20 DEGREES AND SUSTAINED BRIEFLY. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE SUBARU DEALER. THEY DROVE AND INSPECTED THE CAR AND WERE UNABLE TO FIX OR DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS NEW AND WAS RECEIVED ON 06/09/2017.

THE STEERING GETS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE WHEELS ARE NOT TURNED IN AND ARE STRAIGHT. DEALER CLAIMS"THIS IS NORMAL" CAN NOT START THE CAR WITHOUT FIGHTING WITH THE STEERING AND THE KEY. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE INTO AN INTERSECTION, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND RECEIVED FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.